COLA Commencement Planning and Action Items

May 10, 2025 Schedule for the Commencement Ceremony and Reception for College of Liberal Arts

• 9-10:30 a.m., COLA Reception (Graduating Students, Families, Faculty, and Staff) 
• 11 a.m., Graduate Line Up for Ceremony (Gate 2 of Polisseni Center) 
• 12-1:30 p.m., Graduation Ceremony, Polisseni Center

Review parking and shuttle bus service information > 

Photography During the COLA Commencement Ceremony

• A professional photographer will take photo during reception, line-up, and during the ceremony, and you will be able to access and download images from the day free of charge. 
• Want a photo of yourself with your family? Look for the photographer and ask him/her to take a photo.
• Watch your RIT email at the end of May for a link to a website from which you can download images.

For graduates of College of Liberal Arts master's and Ph.D. programs and their guests, a Hooding Ceremony and Reception will be held:

• Wednesday, May 7, 4–6 p.m. 
• MAGIC Wegmans Theater

All 2025 College of Liberal Arts graduates are asked to complete the Graduate Outcomes Survey no later than December 1, 2025 to report their next steps after graduation. 

If your future plans are already set (e.g. you've already secured a job, are enrolling in graduate school, or committed to a service activity), please complete the survey as soon as possible. 

Completing the survey by December 1, 2025 automatically enters your name into a raffle and a chance to win a prize gift card. 

Complete the 2025 Graduate Outcomes Survey Now > 

There is not shortage of smiling faces on Commencement Day. If you're taking photos to share on social media, use these hashtags to help extend the celebration.

• #RITCOLAgrad
• #RITgrad

Verify that Your Name is Included in the Commencement Book

• Go to Commencement Book
• If your name is listed, then you have applied.
• If your name is NOT listed, apply now in SIS.
• Check the spelling of your name: If the spelling of your diploma name is incorrect or you want your preferred name used, you will need to update that yourself in SIS. Instructions to do so can be found here:  Change Diploma Name in SIS 

Regalia (cap and gown)

Student Orders for Regalia, due by March 31, 11:59 p.m. 

• Pre-order yours now through March 31, 2025, 11:59 p.m. at buildagrad.com/rit
• If you choose to pick it up at the regalia distribution events, then there is no cost for you. If you choose to have your regalia shipped to you, you will need to pay a $14.50 shipping cost.
• The cap and gown are yours to keep after graduation.

Faculty and Staff Orders for Regalia, Due by March 31, 11:59 p.m.

Balfour, RIT’s regalia vendor, will provide rental regalia to faculty and staff participating in this year’s graduation ceremonies. As in the past, RIT pays the cost of the rental for faculty and staff; however, each individual is responsible for any damages or replacement costs.

RIT does not have extra regalia for emergency situations, so be sure place your order to ensure you are prepared.  

• Order your regalia by 11:59 p.m. on March 31 at buildagrad.com/ritfaculty
• Not sure if you've placed an order already?  Email Kerri Johnson at kasadm@rit.edu. 
• Questions about ordering? Please contact Balfour directly at 1-800-683-4771 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Central Time), Monday-Friday, or email customer_service@buildagrad.com. To better serve you via email, please include your name, university and a short message regarding your concern.

Faculty Regalia Pick up Schedule
Regalia will be available for pick up at the Polisseni Center – Door 3. Regalia can be returned after our ceremony in Polisseni Center, East corridor (tennis court side of the building).

• Tuesday, May 6, 2025:  10 a.m.–6 p.m. 
• Wednesday, May 7, 2025: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
• Thursday, May 8, 2025: 11 a.m.–7 p.m.

Interpreters will be available from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. and from 4 p.m.–6 p.m.

Review Graduation Frequently Asked Questions

For answers about eligibility and graduation applications, cap and gown, commencement keepsakes, and more, visit the RIT Commencement FAQ page > 

COLA Graduation Fair

COLA Graduation Fair is held annually early in the spring semester. The 2025 fair was held in February. For undergraduate and graduate students who will graduate in May or August, it is a special chance to: 

• Double check that you’ve applied for graduation.
• Receive a FREE long sleeve liberal arts graduate t-shirt (while supplies last).
• Celebrate with a sweet treat and sparkly drink.
• Take a picture and post to social media, send it to your friends and family, and start your celebration early.
• Get a raffle ticket, for a chance to win one of many gift baskets (1 ticket per COLA Graduate that attends the fair).